Staying On Barbuda: What You Need To Know

Yes, you can stay on Barbuda, and there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. Barbuda is known for its secluded beaches, wildlife, and small human population, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil Caribbean getaway. The island boasts a range of hotels, guesthouses, and villas, offering luxurious amenities and stunning views.

When it comes to places to stay, the Barbuda Belle Luxury Beach Hotel is a popular choice, known for its secluded location, beachfront bungalows, and personalised hospitality. Other options include the North Beach Island resort, the Historic Dulcina Apartments, and the Palm Tree Guest House.

It's worth noting that, as of 2024, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has lifted all COVID-19 restrictions for arriving passengers by air and yacht/ferry services, but health and safety protocols are still encouraged.

Barbuda has just one settlement, the village of Codrington

Codrington is home to several specialised facilities, including seven churches, a post office, a police station, a daycare, a preschool, a primary school, and a secondary school. The population of Codrington was 796 in 2011, and the village is divided into three enumeration districts: Codrington-North, Codrington-Central, and Codrington-South (Airport).

The village was established as a provisioning station, growing crops and providing supplies for the Codrington estates in Antigua and Barbados. The Codrington family, who were plantation owners and slave traders, became a wealthy and powerful political family in the Caribbean and England due to their profits from sugar.

Today, Codrington is a peaceful village and a great place for a luxury island break. Visitors can enjoy snorkelling, diving, birdwatching, fishing, and beachcombing. The village is also home to Barbuda's famous frigate colony.

Barbuda Belle is a luxury hotel with eight rooms

Barbuda Belle is a luxury boutique hotel nestled in the heart of the Caribbean on the island of Barbuda. With just eight rooms, this exclusive bolthole offers a unique and personalised experience, combining luxury and tranquillity with exceptional hospitality.

Located on a beach of pink sands in the Codrington Lagoon Park, Barbuda Belle provides the ultimate Caribbean hideaway. The beachfront bungalows offer stunning views, beautiful interiors with canopied beds and dark wood, and excellent en-suites. The hotel is solar-powered, showcasing a blend of comfortable luxury and environmental sustainability.

Guests at Barbuda Belle can indulge in the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. The hotel offers exceptional massage services, designed to soothe the body and ease the mind. The on-site restaurant, The Mangrove, serves delicious food, and there is also a pampering spa for the ultimate indulgent experience.

Barbuda Belle is the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy a romantic break or a relaxing holiday. The hotel provides a range of activities, including snorkelling, diving, birdwatching, fishing, and beachcombing. The nearby Lagoon Park can be explored through kayaking tours, and the famous frigate colony is also within easy reach.

With its combination of luxurious accommodations, personalised service, and breathtaking surroundings, Barbuda Belle is a true tropical paradise.

Barbuda has many beaches with pink sand

Barbuda is known for its beaches of pink sand, which are considered some of the best in the world. The pink hue comes from tiny shells deposited by surging waves, and it is most visible between October and January. The beach stretches for 8 miles between Spanish Point and Palmetto Point, and the Barbuda Ferry from Antigua lands at the jetty on this beach.

The Barbuda Belle Luxury Beach Hotel is located directly on a beach of pink sands. The hotel has just eight rooms, all with beachfront views and luxurious interiors, including canopied beds and dark wood. The hotel also has a restaurant serving delicious food and a pampering spa.

Another hotel located on a pink sand beach is North Beach Island, which offers an authentic and tranquil experience.

One reviewer commented that the pink sand was not always visible and that there was a lot of seaweed, making swimming there unpleasant. However, another reviewer said that the beach was beautiful and quiet, with very few people.

Overall, Barbuda's pink sand beaches offer a unique and romantic experience, with tranquil settings and luxurious accommodations.

The island is known for birdwatching

Barbuda is a haven for birdwatchers, with around 187 bird species recorded on the island. It is best known for its enormous nesting colony of magnificent frigate birds, considered one of the most fascinating bird species in the world. These aerial pirates have an impressive wingspan of about eight feet and weigh only around three pounds on average, allowing them to soar effortlessly on ocean breezes for days.

Birdwatchers can observe frigate birds at the Frigate Bird Sanctuary in Codrington Lagoon, which is the Caribbean's largest and the world's second-largest such colony. The best time to see these birds in action is in October. The sanctuary is a protected conservation area, and visitors must comply with local regulations, including paying a small fee and using an authorised Barbudan boat to access the site.

In addition to the magnificent frigate birds, Barbuda is home to a variety of other bird species. The endangered West Indian Whistling Duck can be found in the island's ponds and mangroves, while the Tropic Bird, with its long tail streamer, inhabits the cliffs and caves of Two Foot Bay. The Barbuda Warbler, the island's endemic species, can be spotted hopping through the undergrowth and local gardens. Other common birds include pelicans, ground doves, herons, hummingbirds, mockingbirds, and gulls.

With its diverse bird population and protected conservation areas, Barbuda offers a unique and captivating experience for birdwatchers from all over the world.

Antigua and Barbuda have lifted all COVID-19 restrictions for arriving passengers by air

Antigua and Barbuda Lift COVID-19 Restrictions for Air Passengers

Protocols for Arriving Passengers

While all COVID-19 restrictions for air passengers have been lifted, the Antigua and Barbuda government has implemented specific protocols for different modes of transport. For those arriving by yacht or ferry, all marine pleasure craft and ferry services must contact the Antigua Port Authority at least six hours before arrival for further instructions. Cruise ship passengers are still subject to the protocols enforced by the individual cruise lines.

Safety Measures

Although restrictions have been lifted, the government of Antigua and Barbuda remains vigilant in its efforts to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 resurgence. The wearing of face masks and social distancing are actively encouraged in public spaces, especially in areas with large gatherings such as ports, supermarkets, bars, and clubs. Visitors are required to follow the protocols stipulated by businesses and excursion operators during their stay.

Travel to Barbuda

As part of Antigua and Barbuda, the island of Barbuda has also lifted COVID-19 restrictions for air passengers. Barbuda is known for its pristine beaches, luxurious accommodations, and abundance of nature-based activities such as snorkelling, diving, birdwatching, and fishing. With a small human population and an abundance of wildlife, Barbuda offers the perfect hideaway for travellers seeking a tranquil Caribbean escape.

Accommodation Options

Barbuda boasts a range of accommodations, from luxurious beachfront hotels and villas to well-equipped cottages and guesthouses. The Barbuda Belle Luxury Beach Hotel, with its exclusive bungalows and villas, is a popular choice for those seeking a high-end experience. The island also offers more affordable options, such as the Historic Dulcina Apartments, which provide clean and comfortable rooms just minutes from the beach.

Frequently asked questions